Netanyahu claims Arab parties have 'stolen' Israel's election after they win a record 19 seats as kingmakers
Supporters of Benjamin Netanyahu at a rally during Israel's general election, as the highest turnout since 1999 left roughly 600,000 military absentee ballots uncounted and no winner declared.Arab parties surged to a projected record 18 or 19 seats, complicating any Gadi Eisenkot-led coalition that has been reluctant to depend on their backing.
Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Arab political parties of stealing Israel's election through bribery, forgeries, violence and prohibited software used to mobilise voters. With nearly 92% of ballots counted, his Likud bloc holds 53 seats against rival Gadi Eisenkot's 48, but neither is close to the 61 needed to govern. Netanyahu is demanding the police and Shin Bet launch an immediate investigation and "prosecute the criminals with an iron fist."
Arab-led parties secured an unprecedented 19 seats, positioning them as potential kingmakers — yet almost every Jewish party has ruled out any cooperation with them.
Eisenkot could form a majority by partnering with Arab parties, a move Netanyahu brands a "dangerous government" tantamount to treason.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who must begin coalition consultations once official results arrive next week, is urging all sides to avoid a second election.
